Author: Tom

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Rain, Rain, Go Away . . .

It rained last night and early this morning.  It got me thinking about that old childhood rhyme.  You remember it, right?  “Rain, rain go away; come again another day.”  I know there is more to it, but that is the only part I would generally hear as a child.

As necessary as rain is, there is something about it that carries a negative connotation and reaction.  I watch the newscasts and they will talk about it being a perfect week or weekend . . . sunny, mid to upper 70’s, and no rain in sight.  Granted, that is the perfect forecast if you like brown.  Not only brown, tanned bodies . . . but brown scorched earth.  Before last night’s rain, the lawns were already starting to show the effects of a period of dryness.  The rain does so much to refresh our surroundings, yet we often fail to appreciate it because it inconveniences us.  I want to work.  I want to play.  I want to be outside.  I want to enjoy the day.  I want to stay dry.  I want . . . I want . . . I want!  Little or no thought is given to what is needed.  The future?  Some other day?  Sure, the rain can come then – just not today.

Aren’t we a lot like that when it comes to the “rains” of life?  (No, not the horse thing. 🙂 )  Oh, we don’t mind the refreshing rains once in a while.  The quiet, gentle, warm rain that is fun to play in and brings happiness.  “Rains” of good news, health, family, promotion, bonuses . . . rains that may disrupt our plans, but we’re happy to change because of the perceived benefit we receive.  It’s the other rains . . . the dark, cloudy, stormy rains that we would just as soon push off to “another day”.  Rains of sickness, grief, unemployment, disease, disability . . . rains that come with the storm clouds. 

If you know me, you might want to sit down as this next statement might be quite a shock.  I might be I am weird.  I love storms.  I remember as a child sitting on the porch in front of huge sliding glass doors watching thunderstorms pass by on a regular basis.  I loved the cloud formations and the lightning.  My parents would tell me that the lightning was actually beneficial to the earth and the farm.  I remember flying through a thunderstorm on an Aeroflot flight in Russia and loving it.  The beauty of being in the midst of the clouds and flashing lightning was incredible.  I still like to watch storms.  Bad weather hits, I want to see it.  The best part is when the storm is over and everything somehow looks different.

You know, it never is “another day”.  We never wake up and say, “Wow!  Tomorrow is here!”  It is today.  We need the rain.  Without it growth doesn’t happen.  Is the rain in your life today a gentle, healing rain, or is it a violent, thunderstorm rain that is opening up parts of your life that you would rather have left alone.  You see, the storms we face can also bring healing once they have exposed our great need.  I think I have faced my share of storms in life, but what do I know?  I’ve had more than some, less than others but I don’t think it is possible to define a “fair share” of storms.  For me, they have always exposed within me my greatest need for Jesus.  Storms that have stripped me of security, health, and freedoms have all taught me that I really didn’t have those things to begin with – only illusions of them.  The beauty of rain coming when it does is that God knows when I need the gentle, healing rain and when I need the inner-person exposing storm. 

I pray that the rain in your life today will accomplish its purpose in bringing healing, growth, and transformation.

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Where Is Your God?

I just returned from an Impact Staff Conference (thus the reason for no new posts in the last week).  The theme of our conference was “Where Is Your God In . . . “.  It was a great conference.  A time to relax, refresh, and refuel.  Several staff members shared about where God was in their life and ministry through the last year.  Reminders that God was a “very present help in time of need“.  Reminders that God was the one working in and through us to equip, prepare, and accomplish that which He created and gifted us to do.  Reminders of lessons learned through seeking God during tough times as well as during good times.

It made me think.  I know, sounds painful doesn’t it?  The very question, “where is your God?” seems to have other questions built into it.  Questions like, “Who is your God?” or “What is your God?”.  These questions say a lot about how we handle adverse situations as Christians.  If we know and have confidence in who and what our God is, then the where is not so much a question but a confident seeking.  God says, “You will seek Me and you will find Me when you seek Me with a whole heart.” 

Is there a part of your life that has you consistently asking, “Where is God in this?”  It is a question that almost exclusively goes with hardship, frustration, discouragement, and changes.  I don’t know that I have ever heard a Christian ask, “Where is God in . . . my prosperity . . . my promotion . . . the good things that happen to me?”  Are you seeking God in that very circumstance or challenge of life.  God has a way of using everything to bring about maturity and growth in Jesus if we seek it and allow it.  You see, the question, “where is God?”, is not a bad question when we ask it in the context of confidence in who and what God is.  In that context, it is not a doubt-filled question but rather a heartfelt seeking of a God that cannot be completely understood.  It is a search – not for the goodness in everything, but for the God-ness in the midst of our lives.  God’s desire is for us to be equipped that we would do the good works that He has prepared in advance for us to do.

If you have problems with the “where is your God” question, then spend time seeking the genuine answers to the who and what is your God questions.

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Same Old, Same Old

Here is an update from yesterday’s post.

The people have spoken . . . the complaints have risen . . . the congressional representatives have been called and written to.  Something must be done for the sake of our economy, family vacations, and Hummer drivers everywhere.

The gas stations and oil companies finally got the message – a 26 cent per gallon increase in the cost of gasoline in an hour’s time was just too much. U.S. Penny

So, today’s response was welcome news . . . the lowering of gas prices on the south side of South Bend by an entire penny per gallon!

It’s time to celebrate!

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Are You Hungry?

I love Skyline Chili! 

There are times that I plan the timing of trips and events in my life around known locations of Skyline Chili restaurants . . . not that I go somewhere just because Skyline is there, but I make plans to be there over a meal time (or two) even if that means adjusting some other things on my schedule.  I do the “home” version of Skyline from time to time because the closest restaurant is over two hours away . . . well, depends who’s driving and how hungry they are. ☺  I know a lot of Skyline “junkies”.  I know them because I am one of them.  Granted, I’m not as bad as some . . . we all tell ourselves that about our cravings, don’t we?  There is always “someone” who is more extreme about their desire. 

What are your cravings?  What do you long for so much that you find all kinds of ways to satisfy that longing? 

Where does your desire for God stack up in comparison to other desires in your life?  Do you find yourself adjusting your schedule so that you can spend more time with Him . . . or less?  Does your hunger for God become visible in times where you can think of nothing else?  Do you try to downplay your craving for God because others might think you strange or fanatical?  Is your life energy used in pursuing God . . . or are you passive about your relationship – satisfied with the status quo, whatever that is.

God says that the only way to know the Father is through the Son, Jesus.  He also makes it clear that if we seek Him, we will find Him when we seek Him with a whole heart.  Are you busy satisfying your craving for God with a wholehearted pursuit of Jesus?  Jesus can, and will, satisfy our longings when we long for Him!

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Up, Up, and Away!

I was just out to lunch (okay, I know some of you would say I’ve been that way for a long time.).  Anyhow, I see our gas stations and corresponding companies are at it again.  Regular unleaded was going for $3.139 a gallon when I began my lunch break and had risen to $3.399 by the time I was through.  I don’t know if this is just getting an early start on the traditional Memorial Day price gouging – I mean travel season – or what.

I always hate going to a store and finding layers of price stickers on a product that are continually higher than that underneath it.  The idea that a product sits in stock for a period of time and someone decides to charge more for it.  It is not a product just like a cheaper one – it is the exact same one with no change in its cost basis to the store.  They just decided that they would like more money for it.

I know that many gas stations are simply storing fuel for thier supplier and the station pays based on the time and day the fuel is pumped.  They are often caught in the middle.  But the point still remains as you work up the corporate chain, the cost basis for that fuel sitting at the station did not change between this morning and this afternoon.  There was not a truck there bringing in a fresh supply of more expensive gasoline.  Someone has simply decided to make an additional 26 cents a gallon on it.

So, what’s a gallon of gas worth?  In a free-market economy it is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.  I suspect prices will continue to rise steadily until individuals begin saying, “It’s not worth it.  I’m going to find other ways to meet my transportation needs.”  I don’t think I see that happening on a large-scale basis in this country any time soon.

And to think, I remember when gasoline broke the 1 dollar barrier and stations around the country were scrambling to figure out how to calibrate pumps that were only designed for a maximum price of $.999 per gallon.

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You Call That Work?

Michiana Christian Service CampI am heading to Michiana Christian Service Camp today for an area ministers meeting.  Our purpose today is to pray for the camp, its staff, and the upcoming summer youth camp season.  We’ve been doing this for several years now.  When I moved to this area, it was originally a ministers work day where we did a variety of physical labor tasks to help get the camp ready for summer.

A few years ago, several area ministers made a decision to apply some of the Acts 6 text to our camp situation.  To take our work day and spend it devoted to prayer and the Word.  To help prepare the camp spiritually while enlisting and encouraging others to participate in the camp’s annual work days to accomplish the physical tasks.

I’m convinced that the camp understands and appreciates the value of both consistent and “on-site” prayer for their needs, staff, and camp participants.  In my role as “Prayer Minister”, I don’t believe that every Christian yet understands the value and the work aspect of prayer.  Understanding is growing, but a more likely response to hearing of a “work day” where the activity is praying is, “You call that work?” 

My answer is just as pointed, “YES!”  Perhaps one of the reasons that so many Christians feel ineffective when it comes to prayer is that they have undervalued it and don’t “work” at it.  Consistent, fervent, open communication with God is hard work.  It takes discipline to keep focused and not be overcome by life’s distractions.  Yet the reward is great.  James tells us that, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”  (James 4:16 TNIV)

Don’t get me wrong, I believe that prayer often leads us to act and do something in obedience to God.  Physical labor is needed and a good thing.  I plan on doing both at camp today.  But for me, the main priority for my day is prayer and seeking God’s face on behalf of the camp.  I love the camp and am excited about having the privilege to pray on-site for it.

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Spring Beauty

Spring BlossomsThe ebb and flow of spring in Michiana seems to be giving way to summer-like conditions for the time being.  It is mid-May in Michiana, so enjoy it while it lasts . . . it could be winter-like conditions at any time.

 It is amazing how much things change at this time of year in the time span of only a week or two.  The woods outside my office is a thick green . . . you really can’t see into it.  Just a couple of weeks ago, it was bare and open.  Deer would wander through the woods and be quite visible from my office.  Blossoms that had begun to appear are now either done blooming or hidden by the dense foilage of the trees and brush.  It is easily apparent which trees have life and which ones no longer do.  They are not all growing at the same rate or even exhibiting signs of life at the same time or in equal measure.  Yet growth is apparent in that which is living.  A couple of weeks ago, I was in the mountains and plains of Idaho and Utah.  It was amazing to be able to walk from the heat of summer into a spring meadow then into winter conditions – sinking into snow over my knees – all within a two hour hike. 

It kind of reminds me of life and of me.  Seasons come and seasons go, both in nature and in life, but do I really stop and appreciate each one.  For many people, both in nature and in life, spring is the easy season to enjoy and appreciate.  The life, the beauty, the growth, the energy, the tranquility – the things that make spring such a peaceful and pleasant season – cause us to do everything possible to hasten its arrival and delay its departure.  Yet those very traits are not possible without a winter’s rest . . . a winter’s nourishment.  I can’t imagine living in an area that lacks the four clear seasons that northern Indiana has.  They help me to see and understand life.  I appreciate winter because I love spring.  Yes, I often think that winter could be shorter, milder, nicer, even more gentle.  But not so short, mild, nice, or gentle that spring fails to appear so beautiful.

The “winter” times of our life serve to highlight the “spring” times where we experience growth, vitality, energy, and change.  This isn’t strictly an age thing as much as it is a spirit and soul thing.  If it is going to continue to grow and mature, the 100 year old tree needs spring just as much as the 10 year old tree.  God has called us all to a life of growing maturity through Christ Jesus.  Is the vitality of spring present within you as you daily experience a renewed life with God’s Spirit living in you?

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Ready To Fly?

I love watching people at airports.  Very few seem to be happy.  They are headed somewhere, but are tired, frustrated with the waiting, not wanting to go where they are headed, afraid, . . . even lost.  Yes, there are the handful that are probably heading to see a close friend, take a vacation, or some other occasion that they are looking forward to with anticipation.  They stand out.  Their joy and enthusiasm seem misplaced in surroundings that are hurried and endured rather than embraced. 

I seem to be strange among fliers.  I love extended layovers between flights.  If I can, I always try to schedule at least a two hour layover when I have to change planes during a trip.  It gives me time to relax and enjoy the journey.  It gives me time to watch and pray for people.  It gives me time to walk.  It gives me time to smile.

One of my favorite places to watch people in an airport is in the security screening line.  It doesn’t seem to matter how often and how clearly the “rules” are posted regarding what is allowed and what isn’t – there is always a steady stream of people trying to pass through the line with things that are not allowed.  Some are unaware that the items they are carrying are in the “do not pack” list.  Some have items that they didn’t know were in their bag.  Some think the rules shouldn’t apply to them and their items.  Some simply think that they are dumb rules so they attempt to ignore them.  During my most recent flight, I watched a lady argue extensively with a security agent over a 4 ounce bottle of hand lotion.  The limit is a 3 ounce container.  As the argument went on and on – and the security agent called for his supervisor – I wondered, “is 4 ounces of hand lotion worth missing your destination?“. 

It made me think.  As I travel through life, do I willingly give up the things that can’t be taken with me?  What do I do when God says, “That thing does not belong in your life if you want to continue this journey to your destination with me.”?  What things have slipped into my life unaware that God is saying can’t be taken along?  What is in the “baggage” of my life that I don’t even know is there? What am I holding onto with such value that I try to sneak it through life?  God is so much better at detecting “contraband” than any airport security screening equipment and personnel.  It would be a wise and prudent move to listen to His instructions on a daily, and moment by moment, basis.

I don’t know about you, but for me, reaching the destination is always more important than the things that I take or don’t take with me.